9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Salvatore adds depth to edited performaces, May 29, 2002
By Phillip R. Olsen "mr_grizzly" (Colorado Springs, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
Don't get me wrong; I really enjoyed the movie. I just thought a lot ended up on the cutting room floor considering George finaced the movie himself. From what I have read in the novel version of AOTC, much of it would have added depth to both the story and the characters.
Salvatore's novelization of the film beings before the movie, showing us more of the Star Wars universe and giving us far more insight to the characters.
Also, his novel was based on the unedited version of the film (the shooting script) and gives the fans much more of Episode II. It also allows fans to decide whether the edited film was better served by removing the scenes. In particular the scene in the garage on Tatooine between Amidala and Anakin post slaughter for the Tuskens left me questioning George's script writing abilities. In the book the scene makes much more sense as it shows Anakin experiencing remorse for his loss of control. On the other hand there are scenes deletions that I thought did serve the story's pace (but I still would have rather seen them stay).
While the book is not a replacement for the movie, it is an enjoyable treat for die-hard fans. Star Wars by nature is a big screen experience and loses its grandeur when translated to other formats. I can't imagine Salvatore doing much better at converting the movie than he did. I would have found the action sequences between Jango and Obi-wan difficult to imagine without having seen the movie, I can't image anyone writing it any better than he has done.
The book does a much better job at potraying Jango and Boba. It also helps traverse the murky romance between Anakin and Amidala.
If you love the movie you should treat yourself to this book!
Del Rey
Hardcover
First Edition
Novelization
0345428811
353 pages
Star Wars
Clean tight bright copy Very minor edge wear Looks barely read
